The above photographs show correspondence between a mother and Dr. William J. Robinson, the Superintendent in 1928. Her son is courting the daughter of a former patient of the Ontario Hospital, London. There is also mental illness on her husband's side of the family. She is concerned with the likelihood of mental illness in their potential children. Robinson replies that while their children are more likely to develop symptoms, 'vigorous' mental and physical activity would greatly decrease the chances. RMHCL 1 |
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A Family in Crisis: Why Committal was an Option

There are a variety of reasons why people entered or were placed into an institution that provided care for those experiencing
mental illness. During the Victorian era, social ideals were often reflected in reasons for committal. The refusal to work, and
sexual promiscuity were examples of behaviours that were considered socially unacceptable and, in some cases, cause for institutional
admittance.

More pressing concerns, such as economic difficulties, were also important factors in committal, and show how asylums often
functioned as a mediator in trying times. The strategic use of the asylum by families during periods of financial challenges
resulted in short-term stays for patients. Both motivations make it clear that families made use of the resources available to
them when they were left with nowhere else to turn.

People suffering from complicated family situations were often admitted to provincial asylums. Loss of family members,
particularly during periods of war, caused significant grief and was often cited as a reason one entered into institutional
care. Domestic abuse and unhappy marriages also contributed to asylum committals. International examples point to the asylum
as a sanctuary from violence for people in abusive situations and show how committals included not only the abused, but also
the abusers. The asylum allowed the family to recuperate from alcohol induced violence while their relative was treated for a
variety of aliments, mania being the most frequently cited.

Finally, preconceived notions of the hereditary nature of were reflected in committal. Social awareness was
heightened in situations where there was a family history of treatment. This influenced a family's decision to commit members
with recognizable mental illness to the asylum.